I have just returned from the camino and it was on of the most wonderful experiences of my life. i feel very lucky with the weather, hearing now of the rain and mud.
Arriving late in the day in Leon i saw the beautiful stained glass inside the cathedral and easily found the albergue for my credencial and found the bus to Virgen del Camino to start my walk the next day. There is not much written about this small place outside of Leon but it was aperfect starting point for me and i made friends with fellow pilgrims that first night who were there at the finish in Santiago too. The church here has amazing modern sculptures above the doors and on the main road side has a door with the handle a scupture of st. fraolin, standing by here some locals told me that touching his nose when making a wish would make it true. The whole door was dark and bronze but his nose was shiney bright where so many hands had touched on passing, also the crest of santiago and a small shell- it was very beautiful, and a lovely way to begin my camino.
I was very lucky with the weather as had no rain until arriving in Santiago when it was clear early morning but then rained for 2 days. I was also lucky as the day after i arrived was the assumption and a fiesta and the botufumeiro was swung after the 12 0' clock mass, which many friends arrived too late to get in for. It was amazing. Also the rain then stopped for my walk on to Finisterre and was cool days to walk in until the sun emerged almost in complete timing with the appearance of the Sea and I swam in a beach all to myself- it was quite magical!
The whole journey was the most wonderful time and I feel 110% better than the day I left.
Just to return to my point!... I was very lucky with weather and was fine with my liner alone but next time think i would take lightweight mat and bag for outdoor sleeping options when albergues are so busy, instead of getting caught up in the rush to get a bed. I wore my boots once and they hurt my back of ankles- I know this is my fault as they weren't worn in but my feet don' like being so wrapped up and I did the whole camino in my sandals, with socks, and had no problems.(carrying my boots was bit silly but my feet felt better!).
MY pack was great once i stopped over packing it, although it was one of the smallest, was not one of the lightest! I know for next time.
As a female walking alone I had no problems and met many wonderful people aswell as having time to be by myself- my perfect holiday! As for the food, all those delicious things fresh from the sea,I was in heaven!
